Oso — Restaurant in New York

My experience at this establishment was quite unexpected, but there is a lot to say. Firstly, I will clarify I feel bad writing this because the staff there was so nice, and service was fast. Everything was fine besides one and most important thing, the food. The waiter was very patient and answered questions about the menu. The food came out so fast that I was a bit suspicious but glad because I was hungry. On this day, I fasted so this was my first meal of the day; remember that because it is important. I ordered the carnita burrito bowl and I will say, the individual I was with did like her food so perhaps I could have ordered the wrong thing. The pork was so rubbery and fatty, I could hardly eat it. I was about 10/10 hungry because I hadn’t eaten all day, and I could not finish my food. That is how much I did not like it. This was the first time in 2023 that I could not finish a meal, let alone when I couldn’t be more hungry. When ordering, I clarified I would like cheese in my bowl because I have cheese with everything and the waiter assured me my bowl comes with cheese. I don’t know what their definition of cheese is, but I got a few sprinkles of powdery parm which is not good enough at all. This is a Mexican restaurant (So I thought)? That means take your hand or whatever you use, get a big handful of Mexican shredded cheese, and dump it in the bowl. I worked at restaurants before, this is not an expensive ingredient so just be generous please. When a customer asks if the food comes with cheese because they need cheese (I literally said that to the waiter) it should be implied to add more than a few dusts of parm. That was NOT a serving of cheese and I need cheese on everything. I would have sent my food back, but I had company and did not want to cause any issues. My advice would be to take the carnitas off the menu or just change entirely how you make them because for me, it was almost inedible. The one good thing about the food was the Guacamole, but my bowl only had one scoop and was overtaken by the pork being unbearable. Had to actually spit it out, and apologize to my companion. I had to grab some fast food on my way home, but this was utter shock. I see good reviews for this spot, and like I said everyone was very nice. If you go, I suggest not touching...

Oso is not your average neighborhood dining establishment. For now, it's a well-kept secret, a gem in the heart of an already fantastic neighborhood, and the kind of place that exudes warmth and friendliness--whether you sidle up to the bar for late night cocktails, or grab a group for a celebratory meal! Mark my words, though...it won't be a secret for long.

Pro-tip: come hungry and do the menu up right. Start with some house-made guacamole and tortilla chips while you deliberate, begin with a salad and a couple tacos as appetizers (they're perfect to whet your appetite for what's next), and dig into the real stars of the menu--the entreé section! The guava glazed ribs with pickled veggies go perfectly with a side of the Elote (street corn), or grab a whole fish of the day! (Ask your server to deep-fry the spine when you're finished. You'll get major foodie points for being in the know...) The evening would not be complete without having a Crema Mezcal and the Mexican Brownie with Horchata ice cream for dessert.

Also--the cocktail program here is SICK. If you want a fantastic spin on a classic cocktail, the menu will not disappoint. If you want to be the coolest person in your friend group...start building your knowledge of Tequila and Mezcal. You can take a top-shelf or basic flight in either, and the prices are really reasonable.

All in all: the music and ambience in this place are awesome, the food tastes as close to the streets of Mexico City as you'll find around NYC, everything in this spot is made from scratch, and when you're hanging at Oso--it's always...

Oso is an instant favorite and hope to get back there ASAP. Firstly: Hands down the best Mole I've found outside of Mexico -- quite possibly overall. Served in a taco made with one of the best homemade tortillas I've had and it's a phenomenal dish I'm still dreaming about 36 hours later. The barbacoa taco is very remarkable too; barbacoa being one of my family's mainstays, I've got a wide frame of reference. Oso's is successfully succulent, savory, and soft to the palate -- one inhales it and quickly orders seconds. To round out my taco order: lengua -- a delicate option only attempted by a bold Mexican restaurant -- and Oso's interpretation does not disappoint. A wonderful marriage of flavors both sweet and savory are driven home with a unique tenderness that almost melts in your mouth. As an appetizer I had the pozole verde and it was quite tasty, refreshing, and satisfying. To round out my meal, the intricate Coup de Khan cocktail provided a smoky, sweet, and sour refresher. Others in my brunch group ordered the enchiladas, chilaquiles rojos, and quesadillas and were all very, very content. One person even managed to have room for dessert and had a very enviable order of churros I hope to get next visit. You know a meal is amazing when no one says anything because they're busy eating. Thank you for a...